FG Rolls Out Plan to Connect Schools Across Nigeria to Internet

The Federal Government has introduced a programme to provide reliable internet access to schools across Nigeria, aiming to improve digital learning and incorporate modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, into education.

The initiative comes after President Bola Tinubu directed efforts to expand digital infrastructure and ensure that the education sector benefits from broadband and telecommunications investments.

To coordinate the programme, the Ministers of Education and Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy met with stakeholders in Abuja to plan nationwide school connectivity.

The programme seeks to connect all levels of education, from primary and secondary schools to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It builds on previous efforts under the Nigerian Research and Education Network, which had linked tertiary institutions through a World Bank-funded project. Officials noted that earlier progress slowed after the funding ended, prompting the need to expand coverage to the entire education system.

The government plans to use a combination of fibre optic cables, telecommunications towers, satellite systems, and other infrastructure to reach schools across the country.

Current projects include installing approximately 3,700 towers, laying about 90,000 kilometres of fibre, and expanding satellite capacity to improve nationwide coverage.

The programme also includes forming two technical working groups to speed implementation, with one focusing on tertiary institutions and the other on primary and secondary schools.

Officials expect the first phase to show results within three months, allowing students and teachers to access digital learning platforms and global academic resources.

Officials added that the expanded infrastructure will support reforms to move major national examinations to computer-based formats, including WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

The government reiterated that strengthening collaboration between education and communications sectors is essential to ensure investments in technology improve learning outcomes and equip students with digital skills for a technology-driven economy.